How to Catch a Trophy Bass

Strike a bite from trophy-class bass.

Bass anglers are constantly searching for big bass or trophy-class bass. Trophy-size varies depending on the location. In Florida and Georgia, many anglers do not consider bass a trophy if under 12 lbs, while a 5-lb. bass may be considered as trophy for northern anglers. Employ effective tactics and techniques that will increase your chances of catching big bass by knowing where to fish, what to throw and when to attack.

Things You'll Need

• Rod and reel
• Baits and lures

Instructions

1. Search in waters where trophy-size bass thrive. Florida's phosphate pit lakes and Southern California are home to bass weighing 10 lbs. or more. Other lakes known to have big bass include Fork and Sam Rayburn lakes in Texas, Toledo Bend and Caney lakes in Louisiana, Eufaula Lake in Georgia and Alabama and Lake Seminole in Florida. Other lakes and small, stocked ponds can also produce trophy bass. Search in more productive waters to increase you odds, because if you only fish in waters known to harbor 2-to 3-lb. bass, then that is the size you will catch.

2. Locate hot spots where big bass hold. These areas include drop-offs, covers and structures adjacent to steep drop-offs and ledges. If no cover is present near a drop-off, look for trophy bass at least 10 feet below the surface. In ledges with little brush cover, cast lures in depths of 6 feet. If there is thick vegetation, target depths of 3 to 4 feet. Lakes with stained or muddy water typically hold big bass in shallower depths, while clear lakes often hold bass in the deep. The water bottom must be hard sand, rock or gravel; avoid lakes with muddy and muck bottoms.

3. Cast bigger lures. Jig and pig, buzzbaits and spinnerbaits attract large fish. During warmer seasons, entice big bass with Zara Spooks, tube lures or soft plastic lizards with light spinning rods. Opt for tubes and worms size 8-inch or larger. A 10-lb. test line or smaller works well on trophy-class bass angling, especially in clear lakes.

4. Fish during springtime from February through May when bass is most active. According to Bassresource.com, nearly all of state-record trophy bass were caught during this time. Bass spawn during the spring in shallower depths.

References

• The Ultimate Bass Fishing Resource Guide; How To Catch A 10-Pound Plus Bass; Bill Miller, Ph.D.
• Jim Porter's Guide to Bass Fishing; How to Find Trophy Bass; Jim Porter